Beijing to Tokyo: The Great Wall & Mt Fuji - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  This tour is categorized as 'Classic', offering an exploration of two ancient nations.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  Accommodation includes Hotels (13 nights), a mountain monastery (1 night, shared facilities), and a traditional inn (1 night, shared facilities). Traditional Japanese inns (Ryokan and Minshuku) feature tatami floors, futon beds, and Japanese-style baths, often with shared bathing facilities.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners. Generally, other meals are not included to provide flexibility, but the CEO can suggest local eating venues. Included breakfasts are typically Asian style (noodles, congee, or bread and eggs). Vegetarian options are usually available, though choice may be limited in some areas.

• What is the physical rating of this tour, and what does it entail?

  The physical rating for this tour is 3. This means an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk without aid, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions may need to complete a medical questionnaire.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 15 participants.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

  Yes, single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, and there is no single supplement on group trips.

• What major sites will I visit in China?

  In China, you will visit the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City (or Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven if tickets are unavailable), the Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an City Wall, Master of the Nets Garden in Suzhou, Shantang Street, and experience Shanghai's Bund and an acrobatic performance.

• What major sites will I visit in Japan?

  In Japan, you will sleep in a temple atop Mt Koya, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, take a ferry to Miyajima to see the floating Torii Gate, explore Nijo Castle and gardens (or Kiyomizu-dera Temple), walk through Kyoto's Gion district and Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko with potential views of Mt Fuji, and have time to explore Tokyo.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  The tour utilizes various modes of transport including trains (fast and bullet trains), local and air-conditioned buses, sea ferries, boats, walking, and an internal flight from Shanghai to Osaka.

• Are there any specific cultural considerations for Japan, particularly regarding tattoos and hot springs?

  Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan; it's recommended to cover them when possible, and you may not be permitted to enter public spas or onsens (hot springs) if visible. Traditional Japanese shared bathhouses and onsens are an essential part of the culture.

• Will I be able to access popular international websites in China?

  While traveling through mainland China, some popular internet websites like Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WordPress may be blocked. It may be possible to access some of these using a VPN, which should be set up on your device prior to travel.

• What is the policy on tipping during the tour?

  In China, tipping is not traditionally expected in general interactions but is customary in the tourism industry. In Japan, tipping is generally not practiced and may cause confusion if offered to the general public. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. Tipping your CEO (tour leader) is also appreciated, with a guideline of 5-7 USD per person per day.

• Are there any luggage restrictions, especially for travel within Japan?

  For rail travel in Japan, luggage must be less than 160cm in total (height + width + depth), similar to airline carry-on size. Exceeding this may incur a fee of 1,000 JPY per luggage per train leg, and larger luggage (over 251cm) is prohibited on Shinkansen trains. You must be able to carry your luggage unassisted. A luggage transfer service (takuhaibin) is available for main luggage, meaning you will need an overnight bag for approximately 24 hours at certain points.

• What is generally included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes a Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and group, a Shanghai Discover Moment, and a Local Living Moment with an overnight stay in a Mount Kōya Temple. Also included are the Great Wall excursion and entrance, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Terracotta Warriors excursion, Master of the Nets Garden visit, Shanghai orientation walk, Chinese acrobat performance, Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit, Miyajima excursion with the floating torii gate, Nijo Castle and gardens visit (or Kiyomizu-dera Temple), Gion walk, Fushimi Inari shrine visit, Lake Ashino-ko boat ride, a traditional ryokan stay with a kaiseki meal, an internal flight, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass is also included.